winter activities for kids?

[low-1]

Cross-country skiing is something Gabe has wanted to do with them. Snow-shoeing, too. I water skied (sp) growing up, but was never good at downhill snow skiing or I'd have the kids do that. I had a bad experience at a young age and it sort of scared me away from it for the rest of my life. I'm don't think my shoulder (post-surgery) could handle cross country skiing. But I do love that idea.

I wouldn't count out xc skiing because of a bad shoulder, you can make it as easy or as intense as you like. It can be extremely low impact if you take it easy. It's like exercise, without you even knowing it. Just getting out and going for a "stroll" on the snow, listening to the winter silence and taking in the fresh, clean air. I really got into it again last year, after MANY years away. I spent a good portion of the summer cutting and clearing trails around the area for hiking, mountain biking and xc skiing.

Or, if you have a dog, get a harness and try skijoring. I started last year, and it's a blast. Most medium sized or larger dogs absolutely love it and will want to keep going long after you're ready to call it quits. Last year I hooked up my "dog team" to a toboggan loaded with ice fishing equipment, including a gas auger, and they pulled it about 8 miles across the ice, then spent the afternoon running around chasing each other. Well, to be honest, only one of the dogs was pulling, the other two were slack-leash and just out for a walk.

If there's a place nearby that does rentals, you should check it out for yourself.

Or at least tell Gabe to take the kids out. A cheap plastic toboggan and some rope makes a good makeshift "pulk" for hauling things like an axe, saw, hotdogs/food, spare blankets, etc, and it's a lot less work than having everything in a backpack. My little girl loves it when we snowshoe or ski into the bush and have a little cookout.

[shoiji]

How about a movie day. Invite some friends over and make some snacks to watch movie. Popcorn, chex mix, pizza.

[dancemommy]

I'm kinda jealous- my kids really have no down time to get bored unfortunately during the winter- too many activities. I do have a wide range like it seems you do. I know that we have figured out that it works best for us if we don't try to please all ages all the time. It is great when it works out, but sometimes age appropriateness just doesn't fit everyone!

How about things like community theater? You can often go see a show for cheap and they can be great. Making fleece blankets or scarves with the tied fringe is fun- you can even do it with pillows. Paint a room? My kids love redoing their bedrooms or helping with other rooms. Get a huge roll of paper and make banners. You can turn anything into a party- sporting events, movie night, etc. Watch the movies from when you were kids and make caramel corn. We do a lot of scavenger hunts. My kids of all ages can get involved- the older ones like to plan for the younger ones. Do a service project- write letters to the elderly or something. Teach the kids to play bunco, bingo or poker and have a little tournament or play for pennies. Set up a carnival in the basement or garage. Make silly carnival games and invite over friends to share them with. Do tie dye, make a big banner or table cloth with winter memories on it. Try paper mache- make a pinata. Let the kids try photography and they can make photo books or youtube/power point videos. Play charades. Good luck!!

[Uniwolf]

you can also do window painting

[McD]

A cute idea I have seen is to tape string through a hallway to resemble those 'laser alarms' seen in spy movies to have kids manuever through.

For the youngest (althought the older kids might enjoy it too), toss magnetic letters in the bathtub with a small amount of water in it. Create a small fishing pole and have him/her go fishing.

Painting with bubble wrap?